CHAPTER 21: Fénix's Training

CHAPTER 21: Fénix's Training

The dawn filtered its pale light through the cedars, illuminating the clearing where a one-ton basalt rock lay like a silent challenge. Fénix observed it, arms crossed, as the morning mist tangled in his sweaty hair.

Alucard was leaning against a tree, with a smile that would have enraged a saint.

"There's your new best friend," he said, pointing to the rock. "Simple task: carry it to the top, let it drop, and repeat. Ten times."

Fénix arched an eyebrow.

"Ten? Did you get this from a medieval torture manual or are you just being creative?"

"Efficacy, not creativity," Alucard adjusted his shirt cuffs. "I promise every muscle will sing tomorrow. And no, I didn't learn it from a book... I lived it."

As Fénix approached the stone, Alucard transformed. His figure fluidified, reorganizing into Enid's silhouette. The hair, the posture, even the scent of jasmine and gunpowder—everything was perfect.

"Oh, Fénix," said the fake Enid in a seductive voice that made the lycan's skin crawl. "You know how much I admire strong men... Imagine what we could do if you complete this."

Fénix stood still for a second, then snorted.

"Seriously, Alucard? This is your idea of motivation? A nightmare version of Enid?"

Alucard resumed his form, laughing.

"Never underestimate the power of good incentive. But I see your pride is enough."

Fénix crouched and lifted the rock with a groan that came from his very core. The muscles in his back tightened like bowstrings. He began to climb the hill, each step a battle against gravity and pain.

"Come on, Fénix!" Alucard shouted from below. "Only nine more! And remember: the faster you go, the less you'll have to put up with me."

Fénix panted, sweat running down his temple.

"I just hope your next lesson isn't juggling torches... though with you, nothing would surprise me."

The sun rose, marking the passage of the hours. When Fénix dropped the rock for the tenth time, he collapsed to his knees, trembling. Every fiber of his body screamed in protest.

Alucard approached, watching the rock roll down the hill.

"Good work. Now... a hundred more."

Fénix looked up, with eyes that promised murder.

"A hundred? Are you trying to turn me into a pile of trembling muscles or do you just enjoy watching me suffer?"

"Both," Alucard smiled. "Push past your limits or you'll never control what you are."

Fénix stood up, his legs shaking. He knew it was useless to argue. He took the rock again, cursing under his breath.

Each ascent was an eternity. By round fifty, Fénix no longer felt his arms—only a phantom burning. By seventy, he saw black spots. Alucard watched in silence, evaluating.

That's it, thought the vampire. Only when the body fails does true strength awaken.

"Eighty!" Alucard shouted, like a sadistic coach. "Don't slack off!"

Fénix no longer responded. His world had narrowed to the rock, the hill, and the pain.

When he finally completed the hundred repetitions, he fell face-first to the ground, gasping like a dying animal.

Alucard crouched beside him.

"Good. Now comes the fun part."

Fénix couldn't even protest.

Alucard dragged Fénix to a circle of flat stones in the center of the clearing.

"It's time to tame the beast," he said, his voice grave. "Transform. Uber Lycan form."

Fénix tried to shake his head, but only managed a groan.

"I... can't..."

"Of course you can," Alucard kicked his side gently. "Exhaustion removes conscious control. Only instinct remains. Do it!"

Fénix closed his eyes. He felt the familiar burning in his veins, the bone reforming. But this time it was different—more chaotic, more painful. His body became a battlefield between will and beast.

When he opened his eyes, he was the Uber Lycan—bigger, deadlier, but with a spark of humanity still visible in his golden pupils.

Alucard nodded, satisfied.

"Good. Now hold that form while you run the hill twenty times."

Fénix let out a roar that made the trees tremble.

"Yes, yes, I know!" Alucard raised his hands. "You're a dramatic monster. Run!"